Efficacy of voluntary counselling and testing for HIV in reducing risk

Abstract

To examine the efficacy of Voluntary HIV-1 Counseling and Testing (VCT) in reducing unprotected intercourse this paper presents an efficacy study conducted in Nairobi (Kenya) Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Port of Spain (Trinidad) during 1995-98. A total of 3120 individuals and 586 couples who were randomly assigned to receive either HIV VCT or basic health information were supplied with 25 condoms. Two follow-up periods were conducted: 1) at a mean of 7.3 months after baseline and 2) at 13.9 months. Findings showed that VCT is more efficient compared with health information both among individuals and couples and both men and women. Significant reductions in unprotected intercourse among couples receiving VCT compared with those who received health information was also observed. The authors point out the need for incorporating social physical and financial support into VCT strategies to ensure that people who find out they are infected especially women have the necessary protection and resources to cope with their disease.